faucial

Faucial is an anatomical adjective relating to the fauces, the opening at the back of the mouth that leads into the oropharynx. The fauces are bounded laterally by two mucosal folds called the faucial arches: the anterior faucial pillar (palatoglossal arch) and the posterior faucial pillar (palatopharyngeal arch). The palatine tonsils lie between these arches in the tonsillar fossa. The arches are formed by mucosa overlying muscle: the palatoglossus forms the anterior arch, while the palatopharyngeus forms the posterior arch; together they contribute to swallowing by guiding the bolus and aiding the velopharyngeal seal.

In clinical anatomy, faucial structures are examined during oropharyngeal evaluation. Enlargement of the palatine tonsils may narrow the faucial isthmus, and assessment of swallowing function often involves the fauces and arches. The gag reflex can be elicited by stimulation of the faucial pillars, the soft palate, or the posterior tongue, mediated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) with motor efferent via the vagus nerve (X). The term is chiefly used in anatomy and medicine to describe structures and functions in the region of the fauces. Etymologically, it derives from Latin fauces meaning throat or gullet.